Patterns of Tobacco Use in Patients with Psychiatric Co-morbidity: Report from a Tobacco Cessation Clinic in North India

The prsent study to evaluate the referrals to Tobacco Cessation Clinic in a tertiary care centre to assess the type and characteristics of tobacco used during a year. The sample size taken was 196 patients (168 males and 12 females). Patients referred to the TCC were analyzed using a semi-structured intake proforma, Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (for both, smoke and smokeless tobacco) and General Health Questionnaire. Descriptive measures Chi – Square and t-test was carried out. Fewer patients reported to the TCC than those actually referred. Most of the participants in our study used smoking form of tobacco (53%) or both smoking and smokeless tobacco (18%). This cohort also reported a significantly higher alcohol use (42%) and family history of tobacco use (60%). Mean age of initiation was younger for smoking and combined users (18 years ±6). Very few had ever attempted to quit tobacco in spite of heavy physical morbidity. Most of our participants were suffering from schizophrenia. The present study highlights the wide use of tobacco among the mentally ill. Steps need to be taken to limit its use.